Perhaps it's time for
Alec Baldwin to take a break from speaking publicly?

The former "30 Rock" star appeared on
Howard Stern's radio show Tuesday (July 23) where he explained that he was "shocked" by the harsh criticism he received from CNN's
Anderson Cooper after his ugly Twitter outburst in late June.

For those who've forgotten just what Baldwin tweeted, we hardly blame you. A refresher: After "Daily Mail" reporter
George Stark wrote that the actor's wife
Hilaria tweeted on her phone during
James Gandolfini's funeral,
Baldwin took to the social media network himself, writing, "I'm gonna find you, George Stark, you toxic little queen, and I'm gonna f***...you...up." He followed that charming missive with, "[I']d put my foot up your f***ing a**, George Stark, but I'm sure you'd dig it too much."

Baldwin made attempts to
both apologize for and clarify his words, explaining that he doesn't believe "queen" connotes "gay," which, sure, whatever. His apologies weren't enough for Cooper, who
tweeted, "Why does #AlecBaldwin get a pass when he uses gay slurs? If a conservative talked of beating up a 'queen' they would be vilified."